After setting a record of USD 42.3 billion in July, Vietnam’s merchandise exports declined by 13.5% in the first half of August, reaching USD 20.06 billion – USD 2.6 billion lower than in the second half of July.
Preliminary statistics from the General Department of Customs show that the total value of Vietnam’s imports and exports in the first half of August (August 1–15) reached USD 40.36 billion, down 8.4% (equivalent to a decrease of USD 3.68 billion) compared to the second half of July (July 16–31).
As of August 15, Vietnam’s total import-export turnover had reached USD 555.21 billion, up 16.6% (equivalent to an absolute increase of USD 81.88 billion) compared to the same period in 2024.
Specifically, the country’s total export value in the first half of August was USD 20.06 billion, down 13.5% (equivalent to a decline of USD 2.6 billion) compared to the second half of July.
There were four export groups surpassing USD 1 billion. Leading the list were computers, electronic products, and components with nearly USD 4.6 billion in export value. Telephones and components ranked second with USD 2.48 billion.
Machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts came third at USD 2.44 billion; textiles and garments followed with USD 1.84 billion.
Cumulatively, as of August 15, Vietnam’s total export turnover reached USD 282.62 billion, an increase of 15% (equivalent to USD 28.21 billion in absolute value) compared to the same period in 2024.
On the import side, Vietnam’s total import value in the first half of August was USD 20.29 billion, down 2.6% (equivalent to USD 0.19 billion) compared to the second half of July.
Cumulatively, as of August 15, total imports reached USD 272.59 billion, up 18.3% (equivalent to USD 43.67 billion in absolute value) compared to the same period in 2024.
In the first half of August, the country recorded a trade deficit of USD 0.23 billion. However, from the beginning of the year to August 15, the merchandise trade balance still showed a surplus of USD 10.02 billion.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a recent press conference, Mr. Nguyễn Anh Sơn, Director General of the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, forecast that the final months of 2025 will continue to see complex and unpredictable developments. Global economic growth is slowing, U.S. trade policies are exerting pressure, while conflicts in various regions are disrupting supply chains and logistics – posing major challenges for an open economy like Vietnam.
To achieve the 12% export growth target set at the beginning of the year, Mr. Sơn recommended that enterprises thoroughly understand trade rules and policies, stay updated on protective measures and technical barriers from partners, and fully utilize tariff preferences under free trade agreements to reduce costs and minimize legal risks.
Businesses are also advised to actively expand into potential markets, adjust their product structure to suit the demand of each country, and simultaneously invest in technological innovation, digital transformation, and quality improvements in line with international standards. This would not only help overcome technical barriers but also enhance value-added and competitiveness.
In addition, equipping themselves with knowledge on trade remedies and strengthening cooperation with regulatory agencies to better handle anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, and safeguard cases from trading partners are crucial for protecting business interests.
“The Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to accompany the business community by providing market information, supporting training, promoting trade activities, and improving institutions. These efforts will help enterprises make effective use of international integration opportunities, thereby enhancing the position of Vietnamese goods in the global market,” Mr. Sơn affirmed.
